Statement by Malaysia at the
Pacific Islands Forum
28th Post-Forum Dialogue Partners Plenary Session
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
11 September 2016
His Excellency Peter M. Christian
President of the Federated States of Micronesia
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me at the outset, on behalf of the Malaysian delegation to express our sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the Federated States of Micronesia, for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality.
2. Indeed, Malaysia is honoured to join this gathering of distinguished colleagues from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Member Countries, Post-Forum Dialogue Partners and Observers. Malaysia also joins the other Pacific friends in congratulating our host and the PIF Secretariat for the excellent arrangements made for the 28th Post-Forum Dialogue here in Pohnpei.
3. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey the warm greetings of His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman, Foreign Minister of Malaysia whom, regretfully, is unable to be here today.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. The theme of the 28th Post-Forum Dialogue Partners Plenary Session, “Strengthening Partnerships in Pacific Regionalism”, is timely and Malaysia shares the view that greater partnership should be established in order to assist the Pacific Island countries in mitigating the effects of the climate change.
5. Therefore, Malaysia believes that today’s deliberation is an ideal platform to assess the regional priorities and forward-looking engagement in the Pacific, in support of the objectives and values of the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Malaysia shares similar concerns with the Pacific Island countries on the effect of climate change to our environment, and more importantly, to our survival. Malaysia upholds the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol and the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities”.
7. Malaysia views the Paris Agreement concluded at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris as a balanced agreement with the best compromise based on the principles of science and equity and promotes sustainable development. The overwhelming signatories at the High Level Signature Ceremony of the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 demonstrated a clear testament of global efforts and commitments to address climate change. Malaysia has signed the Paris Agreement and currently undertaking domestic processes towards its ratification.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
8. Malaysia always believes that human capital development is a shared responsibility and are essential for a country’s sustainable development. In line with the spirit of the South-South Cooperation, Malaysia stands ready to share its development experiences and expertise by providing assistance and training, namely in capacity building and human capital development, to other developing countries through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). The MTCP supports Malaysia’s ‘Prosper Thy Neighbor’ policy which promotes a win-win partnership with all countries.
9. In this regard, I would like to inform that thus far, a total of 1,489 participants from the Pacific region have benefited from the MTCP fully-sponsored training offered by the Government of Malaysia since its inception in 1980, which focuses on ten (10) key areas of technical assistance namely: agriculture; economy, finance and trade; education; environment; industrial technical training; diplomacy; public management and administration; professional services; social development; and science, technology and ICT management.
10. In addition, during the 3rd International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Apia, Samoa in 2014, Malaysia has reiterated its commitment towards the optimization of human capital development and capacity building of the Pacific Island countries with a pledge of USD 1 million to be allocated under the MTCP from 2015 onwards, to conduct appropriate programmes to suit the small islands States.
11. Therefore, we encourage participants from the Pacific Island countries to avail themselves in the MTCP. At the same time, we are also keen to collaborate with developed partners, multilateral institutions and private sectors to strengthen the transfer of knowledge and skills to other developing countries, including in the Pacific region.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. Malaysia believes that the Post-Forum Dialogue can play a central role in strengthening the regional partnership in the Pacific for development. For many years, Malaysia has been cooperating and collaborating with countries in the Pacific region. We look forward to a more productive and meaningful relations with countries of the Pacific region and Malaysia remains committed to support the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and Post-Forum Dialogue Partners in the years ahead.
Thank you.